Flight Training FAQ for Bakersfield, CA

Start with a discovery flight or a first lesson, then work toward the private pilot certificate. You will need a flight instructor, an airplane to train in, an FAA medical certificate before solo flight, and to pass the FAA knowledge test and a practical test. Send a lesson request and we'll map out the steps.

The Part 61 minimum is 40 hours of flight time, but the national average is typically higher, often cited at 60 to 80 hours. How many you need depends on how often you fly, how you study and how quickly you master each skill.

The total depends on your hours. Costs include airplane rental, instruction time (flight and ground), books or software, a medical exam, the knowledge test and the practical test fee. Megahertz Sky Hub's website currently lists its rental airplanes at $172 per hour wet (fuel included); confirm directly with them as rates can change. Flight instruction is $70 per hour, separate from airplane rental.

Not to begin dual instruction, but you generally need an FAA medical certificate before you fly solo. Talk with an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner if you have questions about eligibility; many instructors recommend getting one early.

There is no minimum age to begin lessons. You must be 16 to solo an airplane and 17 to earn a private pilot certificate. A commercial pilot certificate requires age 18.

At KBFL Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, CA 93308. We will confirm the meeting location when you book.

No. I'm an independent CFI, so instruction and airplane rental are separate. Megahertz Sky Hub at KBFL rents airplanes; confirm their rates and availability directly.

A first flight with an instructor where you learn what flying feels like and may handle the controls. See the discovery flight page. A discovery flight is $145.

Generally every 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command (14 CFR 61.56). See the flight review page.

An instrument proficiency check (14 CFR 61.57) is how an instrument-rated pilot who has lapsed on instrument currency regains the ability to fly IFR. See the IPC page.

Yes. Jacob is a CFII and commercial pilot with an instrument rating. See instrument rating training and commercial pilot training.

You don't need to study first. If you want a head start, the FAA's free Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Airplane Flying Handbook are great references. Links are on the resources page.

We reschedule. Safety comes first, and weather is a large part of what you learn as a pilot. Fog, wind and heat can affect flying in the Central Valley.